Square One is knowing I want a core model but no idea which
I've set a budget of right around $3,500-$4,000. I really don't want to go over that. I mean, I'd be happy as hell to get what I'm after for less but, the way of the world is great things cost great amounts of money
And it has to be a PRS. No ifs ands or buts about it. I'm a brand whore
Knowing you want a core is generally which one to buy first because somewhere down the line, you may want to add another, and then another etc.
If you have the budget in place already to go if/when you decide which model to go for, the next step should be trying to decide on a few 'key' differences between models. Whether you want 22 or 24 frets for example is a good place to start because if you want 24 frets (especially with a Pattern Thin neck), the choice is clear- it has to be a Custom 24 - either the standard Cu24 with a 5 way, the 24-08 with individual mini toggles to split the Humbuckers, P24 - the 24 with the added Piezo. If you want 22 frets, the choice can be a bit wider with the Cu22, McCarty's inc the 594, Paul's or even the Hollowbodies.
All of the current Core series are listed - inc the Signature models (DGT, Tremonti, Santana) and that can help you narrow it down by just asking a few simple questions - fixed or trem bridge, 22 or 24 frets etc. Couple that with trying out a couple of guitars, trying out different Necks etc and you should come to a conclusion as to which Core to buy (first) and which you could put on your radar for future purchases.
As much as I wanted a core Cu24, it was my 'bucket list' guitar, I ended up buying a 594 first because I grew up and spent years with Les Paul guitars so it fitted me and my style better without having to change too much. It was the natural replacement. The 509, which I bought 2nd was more about opening up my options and, not wanting a Tele or Strat, offered me a 'compromise' I was happy with. I know some will say that you 'need' a strat and/or tele in your collection if you own a LP type guitar and my 509 was my compromise. It was only after buying these that I could get my Bucket List - something I had always wanted but also a bit concerned with as I never played fret 22 let alone 23 and 24, never owned a Trem system (until my 509) so I had to get the guitar I was most familiar with, then the guitar that closed up the biggest gaps in my sonic armoury before I could get my 'extravagant' purchase. After that, the next 'biggest' gap was the Hollowbody and 'acoustic' type tones - satisfied by my HBii. Now I have these 4, Anything I buy now is generally not plugging up many (if any) gaps. The 2 guitars that I would add right now (if funds allowed and the guitars were on the market in my preferred colour), is the PRS Special 22 - basically a Custom 22 with a semi Hollow body and a Narrowfield in the middle and a Hollowbody 594. Ideally, I would prefer the Special 22 first as that adds more sonically to my range where as the HBii and 594 HBii have quite a crossover - both have 58/15 LT's but the 594 has a shorter scale-length and can split the coils but the Humbucking, and quite frankly would be most used, tones will be similar to my HBii. Across all 4 of these, I have all 4 Pattern neck shapes too - more by 'accident' than design. Each just happened to be fitted with the neck shape and I haven't experienced a problem because 1 neck is too thin or another neck has an asymmetric and thicker carve.
The reason I have given you my PRS history, the thought process to each guitar and even my though process for any subsequent additions may be of use to you in deciding which Core guitar you perhaps should choose first. The 594 was my first because it was the most 'comfortable' and 'familiar' layout to what I was accustomed to. Maybe if I was a 'strat' guy, the first may well of been the Silver Sky with maybe a CE24 as more of a step into PRS with its bolt on neck - both have a Trem system that may be more familiar than coming from a Les Paul fixed bridge as I was. Maybe if you break down what areas you are less willing to compromise on - whether that's 24 frets or 2 piece fixed bridge for example. If 2 piece fixed Bridge is more important to you than 24 frets for example, then the choice is obvious. If 24 frets, Pattern Thin is more important, then that obviously means you look at Cu24's - the Trem bridge (if you prefer fixed bridges) doesn't have to be used...
Any Core guitar is going to be made to exceptional standards with all the woods cured to the same standard as Private Stock - even if PS has a wider range of woods available. If you can't get 'everything' in one guitar, the options are to own more guitars or go for a custom build...